Hiya!

Hello dolls! Wowzers, has it been quiet up in here or what?? Crickets since March. That is a new record, even for the likes of me. I could make all kinds of excuses and whine about how truly, supremely busy I have been. And then I could make flowery promises about how I am back to stay and it won't happen again. But I've decided to take silent option C and do none of the above. We make our own paths over here, people. Instead, I'm just going to pick up where we left off, and try and ease back into my groove.

Since we last spoke, I have changed internships (Yes, again. I'm on my third one in two years. Will someone please just hire me already??) and I am really enjoying my new office! I've been here about a month, and everyone is great. It is a super small staff, which makes for a warm, welcoming environment and a lot of room for growth. I am working for a magazine, still, and have decided magazines are definitely where I want to be. I love the writing style, and the creative license that comes with magazine publications. Now to find one who will take me on in a capacity other than intern :)

Tune back in tomorrow for my 2nd installment of 5 Ways Wednesday where we will talk about how to style the summer equivalent of the LBD: the WLD, otherwise known as the white lace dress. We all (or we all should) have one hanging in our closets, and believe me, there are a myraid of ways to wear these babies. So until tomorrow...

Oh, in other exciting news... roommate is now MARRIED!!

Bisous!

Things that are awkward and those that are awesome

Bonjour kittens! I hope you are ready for a weekend, which is all yours to fill with lounging, brunches, cuddling, parties and the likes! Ah, glorious weekends. How will I be filling mine? With family time, baseball stadiums, running through cherry blossoms and indulging in a delicious post-race brunch with mes amis! Bliss, if I do say so myself. Et toi? 

So, I've been wanting to share some of the lovely awkward-filled moments that have occurred during my last few months as a fact checker, and I think there is no better time to share than AWKWARD AND AWESOME THURSDAY!! So enjoy the awkward life of a fact checker. You're welcome. 


The Awkwards (work edition)
-Asking the owner of a brewery if he served craft beer- a question that I thought was nearly rhetorical- and getting a very emphatic and offended-sounding NO!! Trying to figure out how I had offended said brewer, and repeating/rephrasing the question, and hearing a booming laugh on the other end of the phone. "Oh I thought you asked me if I served CRAP beer, and I thought that was just really rude!" Man, oh man, I don't even get the benefit of the doubt these days!
-Question to interviewee: Would you describe yourself as a shy, awkward child? Interviewee:....Um no? But thanks for telling me that someone else did...Yea, there isn't really a way to recover from that.
-Having to ask a man if he had started wearing a toupee in his 20s. Ok, so this wasn't one of my fact-checking awks, but it was awkward enough that its awkwardness seeped throughout the intern bubble and I just absorbed it right on up for my own purposes. That's called making lemonade out of some majorly awkward lemons.
-Apparently being five years old, and laughing uncontrollably asking a restaurant manager of a very fancy restaurant if he had a pianist. It gets worse. Having to hang up because I couldn't get the laughter under control, and then call back and blatantly lie, saying we had been disconnected. Yea, I don't think he bought it either. And I'm not sure he bought that I was indeed a 24 year-old-grown woman capable of not finding the word pianist funny.
-Being asked to call 16 different restaurants that pretty much all specialize in serving wings, and asking if they serve wings. No, not some kind of prank. Just my job. You know the waitress at Hooter's hung up and told her co-workers about the dum dum that had just called asking if Hooter's served wings!
*note: please don't take this as me not liking my job in any way, because I freaking love it! I actually think these moments make my days that much better!*

Denim dress (masquerading as a coat): Charlotte Russe, Lace dress (actually worn properly as a dress): Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Vintage (mumsicle's from the 80s) Necklace: Onyx Feather Belt:Urban Outfitters, Ring: gifted. 

So I made it home today just as the sun was setting, and this park near our apartment had a beautiful, clear view. It was just lovely! 

The Awesomes:

-The fact that I haven't worn tights a single day in March! Now, I have worn pants (which is kind of cheating) and there are days where I nearly froze my lil tooshie off waiting for the bus after work, BUT the  tights are retired for the reason (no ifs ands or buts) and that qualifies for an A-W-E-AWESOME!
-Shooting my first professional photography client! I met up with Jack and Sarah, friends of a friend, for a gorgeous cherry blossom inspired engagement session, and we had a blast! I absolutely adore meeting couples and working with them at a point in their relationship when they are so in love they can't even contain the giddy feelings. This couple was not only sweet and gorgeous, but also clearly head over heels in love, which made capturing moments of love that much easier :)
-Long, leisurely walks home from exercise classes. This would usually be something I despise, as I get bored so easily, but the amazing weather has just been calling my name to enjoy a stroll in DC. Last Friday I walked from Logan Circle after a barre class down to M St to meet friends for an amazing tapas dinner, and had a huge grin on my face the whole time. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenery, the people watching and the cool breeze. I also really enjoyed the stop at LOFT, and my new snake skin blouse! And last night I strolled home from another barre class along M st, and somehow wound up with a new black clutch. Perhaps I think these walks are awesome because they turn into shopping excursisons...
-Birthdays filled with an overload of pink presents, including these hot pink pants, and this stunning handmade necklace! Check out more of Sola's beautiful and socially responsible jewelry here. I have my eye on another one, and can't decide if a necklace truly is more important than food...
-My thighs burning when I sit down, and my abs aching when I laugh from all these ballet barre classes I've been trying out! If I keep this agony up, I'll have a washboard stomach by the time bikini season rolls around, right?? Note: The only acceptable answer to this question is a resounding without-a-pause yes. Thank you.

The weather these past few weeks has been an itty bit bipolar. One day it is mid 80s, and the next, it is 30 when Im waiting for the bus. Today was manageable-mid 50s-and really only called for a light jacket. Since I didn't have any great options, I invented my own by using a chambray shirt dress that is currently missing a button and layering it over my favorite for-spring lace number. Belted it all together to keep my shape, added the punchy neon heels and voila! Outfit success. Added bonus: The coat added extra warmth inside our freezing office. win. 

Man, oh man does someone need a haircut or what?? If you follow me on pinterest, you might notice that I want to change things up next time I head to the salon... Thoughts? 

So bellas, what do you have planned for this weekend? High doses of fabulousness, I assume. Any super duper awkward moments you care to share, besides the fact that you just heard me say super duper? Ignore the talking head. It knows not what it says. Except for when it says to have a fantastic weekend. Then it speaks the truth! 

I am crazy about this necklace!! I had the pleasure of interviewing its maker, a few months ago, and have been obsessed with it ever since. Enter birthday present begging asking time! And my wonderful mumsicle came through, as always. Thanks mom!! And thanks to Sola for creating such beautiful work! 

Polish: OPI's Mermaid's Tears- reminds me of Tiffany blue though, and who wouldn't want to be reminded of that??

Bisous!

The 24th anniversary of my second day on this planet...

...otherwise known as the day after my 24th birthday. Evening gals and happy first few days of spring to you! My week has been packed with goodness after goodness, so I think spring is off to a fantastic start. I think spring may be my favorite season (except I say that about every season, so take it with a grain of salt)The cherry blossoms are in full, beautiful bloom, it is light outside when I leave work (even when I pull later nights like tonight), I don't need to worry about a jacket and my birthday happens to be the first day of spring (some say March 20th, but I say March 21st!) And when you factor in that I got to attend my first Embassy event this week, and that it was a St Patty's Day celebration, we can basically suffice it to say, I'm a happy camper! Oh and did I mention what I came home to tonight after a really long day??

Yea, that would be my room completely streamer-ified in birthday pink-ness thanks to my AMAZING, wonderful roommate! I don't know what I'm going to do without that girl when she leaves me to go get married and stuff. But not thinking about that! Combined with my family birthday dinner last night at a chocolate boutique (think chocolate in everything: chocolate steak sauce, chocolate mojitos and chocolate banana foster), it was quite he 24th birthday! Annnnnd I got a pair of hot pink jeans! So exciting! 

Speaking of colored jeans, I broke a fashion rule today and busted out my white denim today! Heck, the weather feels like post-memorial day already so I'll wear white after labor day if I wanna (kinda like its my party and I'll cry if I wanna). You'll have to excuse the terrible photos- it isn't the photog's fault. It's just what happens when I don't get home until after dark, love my outfit and think there is still time to photograph. Oh well, some days you just have to make a blog post out of crummy photos (again, kinda like making lemonade out of lemons- I'm just reinventing cliches all over the place today)! 

Shirt: Kohl's (?), Jeans: Madewell, Shoes: Aldo, Necklace: Forever 21, Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

It takes talent to look this down-town chic, baby doll. Actually, all it takes is a little pattern mixing, rule breaking and lounging, but don't say you heard it from me. 

I'm caaaaaarazy! 

Try not to be distracted large-headed and very sad looking thermometer-wielding man in the backfground. Clearly we are taking about more important things here, people! Duh, clothes! 

Ugh, so I had a long explanation for this pic, that got deleted, about how I spent money I shouldn't have on necklaces from Forever 21 but they make my old outfits feel new so really it was a good investment blah blah blah. Ok, now you are caught up! See I can summarize... sometimes. 

The accessories were my favorite part of today's ensemble. Although the necklace stood out more in real life than it is in these photos. My bad. But the shoes are my latest love of life. They were a gift from the mumsicle and I am kind of obsessed. I can't wait to pair them with my new hot pink Rag & Bone jeans!!! Seriously, it is kind of sad how excited clothes can make me :) I realized how much of an effect the way I dress has on my overall confidence for the day though in the last few months. But that is for another post! Until later (god knows when it will be with my unreliable-ness these days), my loves! 

Bisous!

Review: Misikko Hana Air Premier Hair Dryer

Hiya dolls! I hope wherever you are, you are experiencing this unexpectedly beautiful March weather! Today is a little gray, but overall the week has been amazing, and has left me craving out of the office moments as often as possible. And, yes, that may have included intern excursions to track down some fro-yo and food truck deliciousness. 

A few months ago, I was contacted by Misikko to review the Hana Air Premiere Hair Dryer. And let me tell you, it was what you call fortuitous timing, because my hair dryer had died that morning! I kid you not. So I was completely thrilled to be upgrading from my $30 target hair dryer (which had served me well) to an incredible, professional dryer that was receiving rave reviews throughout the blogosphere. What I wasn't anticipating was how quickly the dryer would arrive. They shipped the same day they contacted me, and it was waiting for me at home the next day! I was speechless.

But the true amazement was still to come. The next morning I got ready to embark on the 30 minute adventure that is drying my way-too-long hair; and that's not including the straightening process that follows to solve the static mess that is left after drying. Yet, after 10 minutes my hair was completely dry, shiny, and far less static-y than usual. I was thrilled! It wasn't a surprise after I did some research about the technicals of the dryer. With 2300 watts, pure tourmaline crystals, 2 adjustable fan speeds and 3 heat settings (plus a cold shot), your hair drying experience is quick, easy and virtually customizable. The 12' cord is an added bonus, as you don't have to play the lovely tug of war game with the outlet. Plus, Misikko is known for their superior customer service, which was evident not only b the speedy delivery but also by the exquisite packaging. Just look at all the goodies I received, including Paul Mitchell products (love) a heat proof pouch for your Chi Straightener and HANA shine shield thermal protectant. All in all, if you are looking for an upgrade, I highly recommend the Hana Air Premier Hair Dryer!

Adorable uniform packaging, and overflowing with goodies!

The hair dryer itself is sleek and shiny- just as it will leave your hair. 

This stuff is so awesome that it was stolen from me at the work gym! haha

Yep, that is me. drying my hair. Notice the lack of frizz!

Without any straightening or product whatsoever! Including makeup on my face. Please excuse! Haha. 

Check back soon for an actual outfit post (gasp!)

Bisous!

Disclaimer: This product was provided by Misikko for review.  As always, my opinions are honest and all mine. 

Laisser les bons temps rouler

Ciao bellas! Hallo Schöne. Salut mes belles. Hello lovelies! I have missed you so much that I needed to greet you four times. You are four times worth it! I know this is like the bajillionth time I have said it, but I'm back baby! Back and more motivated than ever to dedicate myself to this blog! Things are going really well for me right now, and I want to share my excitement with you dolls.

I have been working for DC's regional city magazine, The Washingtonian, as an intern since November and I can honestly say I have never been happier with any employment!  I just feel like it fits me, and every day I wake up excited to go to work. Well, after I get my morning cup of coffee, of course. Not only do I work with incredibly talented writers and editors, but they are even letting me do a little writing myself. I feel like I am really developing my writing style, learning how to express creativity without being quite so wordy (ok, I'm still working on that) and discovering the difference between writing for print and online. I'm also making progress towards opening my photography business, and even booked my first paid gig for next month! I can't wait to work with this couple and hopefully create engagement photos that they will look back on fondly for years. I'll share more with you as the business unfolds. Wow, I used "I" like 10 times in that paragraph. Self-absorbed much? :)

To kick off my return to bloggy land, I headed over to Cities Lounge last night to celebrate the first blogiversary of Cap Fabb! Roommate met me after work and we sipped delicious libations, nibbled a few delectables, arranged flowers and mingled with great ladies! It was a first class evening all the way, and I can't wait to join many more group outings! 

Happy blogiversary Cap Fabb! You sure do throw great parties :)

The gorgeous floral bar thanks to H. Bloom! We got to make our own accessories and arrangements. Some of the amazing ladies made incredibly ornate fascinators and corsages. Being the uncrafty gal that I am, I glued a few feather on a headband, stuck a pin in and called it a day. 

You know there were good drinks! 

Yum, yum, yummy sangria!! I might have indulged in a glass... or two :)

My fist foray back into fashion blogging! 

The photos below are courtesy of Daniel Swartz/Revamp. Thanks for taking awesome photos while we were too busy running our mouths, Daniel!

The amazing BrandLinkDC team who create incredible events around DC! And so glad I finally got to meet Jayne! You were definitely as sweet as Sarah said :) Hope to see you at another wonderful party, soon. 

Our fearless leaders, Liz and Lacey. Happy 1 year ladies, and you should be so proud of how much you have accomplished in just a year. I can't wait to see what the next year brings for Cap Fabb! 

Roommate and I caught in action by the bud bar. 

Showing off our floral arrangements with new friend Madeline!

Just for the record, all parties should have photo booths that are this fun! 

So I totally understand if you want to hold off believing that I am back until I redeem myself by posting more than once a month :) But, believe it or not I really am back with a renewed motivation for blogging and I can't wait to catch up with all of you!! I'll be back on Friday with an amazing product review! 

Bisous!

What I wore out on the town after my modeling debut

Bonne année mes belles! I hope you soaked up the last bit of awesome in 2011, and kicked off 2012 with a bang! I spent my night in the company of some of the best friends a girl could ask for, so I definitely can't complain. And it didn't hurt that there was a cheese platter, a super cuddly puppy and some delicious bubbly involved! All things considered, I'd say we said sayonara to 2011 in style. While I enjoyed many parts of 2011, I think I can safely say I am more than ready for a new year. And I declared that 2012 will be my year (the year of full-time, permanent employment, the year of love and the year of being a kick-butt fake maid of honor!) so let's get it started dolls!

So for any of you uberly confused by my title (what, you didn't know I had mad modeling skills?? I'm hurt, really.) you need not fret, as I will hence forward explain my assertion. And that concludes the portion of talk in a pretentious manner of this evening. Ok, now really I'm done. Anywho... Last Friday the magazine I now work for needed stand-in models for a shoot about a private bar at an ambassador's home, and I got to participate! All I really did was sit in the back at the bar and talk to a guy, but it was really fun to see how a real, live photo shoot all comes together. I admit, I was totally fascinated by how much time and effort the photographer put into making sure everything was aesthetically perfect, down to the exact arrangement of pillows on the couches. I am now doubly excited for our February issue, as it will contain my modeling debut, and my first article! Can't wait :) So after my successful modeling gig (hehe) I did what all future supermodels do. I went to the free zoo lights with my awesome friends! I hadn't been to the zoo since high school, and it totally brought back so many childhood memories. It was the perfect end to the holiday season! 

Sweater: Christmas gift from dad/brother, Top: LOFT, Jeans: levi's via Kohl's, Boots: Steve Madden, Scarf: Paris,  Earrings/ring: gifted, Bag: THEIT Bossi Bag

If it was socially acceptable I would wear this sweater every day, all winter long. I wore it tonight actually. It is the most comfy sweater I have ever owned, it adds a little extra warmth in this blistering cold we are having, and it can be worn belted or open to add variety to my outfits. Plus, it is a fun length. So yes, that us my explanation for why you might see this often this winter! 

I am a girl who gives credit where credit is due, and today credit is due to Miss Kendi. I had already wanted to wear this sweater, and then I stumbled upon this lovely outfit, and I was sold! I love easy dressing mornings :) They mean I can justify laying under the coziness of my covers for that extra 7 minutes. Yes, for me it is always 7. Not 5, not 10, but 7. 

Annnd can we take a minute to thank my wonderful mother for gifting me this  bag that I have been eyeing (read drooling over) for months now?? Thanks wonderful mother!! She was so tricksy and completely fooled me by telling me that I shouldn't expect the bag because she hadn't been able to find it in stock at any point (which was totally reasonable considering how popular it was). So imagine my total surprise (and delight!) when I opened a box on Christmas morning and found this lovely staring up at me. You would have thought  I was a six year old opening up a My Little Pony from all the squealing that occurred! I can't wait to head to my maternity shoot this weekend with this baby! 

So dearies, tell me about your New Years Eves! Did you enjoy some bubbly, dance the night away or ring it in with the sweetness of midnight kisses? Or did you do all 3?? Then I might have to be really jealous :)

Bisous!

Holiday glitter and glam

Merry belated Christmas loves!! I hope Santa was good to you all, and that you unwrapped goodies to your hearts' content this weekend! I know our family sure did, as Santa most definitely spoiled us this year. I was surprised I was able to fit all my loot (plus stacks of laundry!) in my car to come home tonight. I always try not to pick favorites with my gifts, as I sincerely appreciate every blessing my parents choose to give to me on Christmas, but this year I don't think I could have picked a favorite if I tried! Between the iPod for running (my first iPod ever!!), THEIT bossi bag for my DSLR and the Keurig coffee maker to start my mornings off right, I was definitely spoiled!

I don't know what traditions you all have for the holidays, but one of my favorite things we have started doing is going to a Christmas Eve party at a family friend's house! The hostess is one of my mom's closest friends, and a complete doll! She is one of those people that just makes everyone feel so special and welcome in her house. We started going last year, and had such a wonderful time that it was quickly decided it would be a tradition to kick-off the holidays by attending her fabulous soiree! My brother and I are also friends with her sons, so it is fun to hang out with them as well! I admit, part of the reason I love going is I get to dress up in a fancy dress for a night! While last year I went with a black sequin number, this year I wanted color. And this little diddy from the little known boutique called "my roommate's closet" was just the number! Everything about it made it the perfect holiday ensemble, from the deep burgundy hue, to the adorable satin accent bow strategically place on the hip. I topped it off with my new favorite necklace (Christmas present from the bestie!!) and my favorite holiday glitter heels to create what I thought was a really fun holiday look! It was just the look I needed to get me in high holiday spirits. And with the fabulous date I had to accompany me (coughcoughmom) how could I not have an amazing evening??

Dress: White House Black Market (borrowed from roommate) Cardi: WHBM, Shoes: Steve Madden, Necklace: gifted from bestie (thanks babe!!) Earrings: borrowed from mom

One of the best parts of having a way cool roommate (besides the obvious fact that your lucky enough to have a way cool roommate) is when she is way cool enough to let you borrow her gorgeous cocktail dresses for special events. so you can feel like you have a new dress without buying a new dress! Definitely a perk I'll miss when way cool roommate up and leaves me to move in with that new hubby of hers. 

My stunning mumsicle and moi! She was rocking the glitter and velvet that night! 

P.S. The only reason I appear taller than mumsicle is the 5 inch heels. I am most certainly the shorty in my family. 

Sorry for the blur, I just wanted to show you the shoes a little better! They are definitely one of my favorites all the time, but especially for holiday events!

So loverlies, how did you spend your holidays? Was it a dress up affair, or did casual PJ attire suffice? Our house spent all of Christmas day rocking the PJs and comfy slippers, so I guess we enjoyed a little indulgence of both sides of the dressing spectrum. Aren't those really the best kinds of weekends? Cocktail dress and stiletto nights followed by PJ lounge worthy days? 

Bisous!